02/17/2024
Goodbye Soulardās š¤
Soulardās originally started as āSoulardās Sweetsā in 2011 while I was working out of a small addition built onto our home making custom cakes and dessert orders. Over the years my little business started to outgrow the small home-based space and I knew it was time to expand to bigger horizons. With the help of my husband, Matt and his dad Bill, we made our new dreams a reality.
In July 2018, Soulardās storefront was born.
We have worked extremely hard to make our storefront dream become a reality. I have spent countless sacrificed hours away from my children at home and with that comes some major mom guilt! If I wasnāt away from them, they were forced to spend countless hours with me at the shop. But I believe I have taught them what a hard work ethic looks like and with hard work and dedication you can always reach your dreams and beyond. I hope one day my kids look back and realize how hard I always tried. When I was busy, I found the time. When I was exhausted, I found the energy. When they needed me, I was there. When it was hard.. I dug deep and kept going. I gave it my all.. for them.
We know you have all sensed a change and it has taken us some time to process, put our thoughts into words, and be able to say goodbye.
Thereās a season for everything and after much consultation with friends and family and many prayers with God, it is with a heavy heart that we have made the decision to say goodbye to Soulardās and close our doors for good.
This isnāt something easy to move on from. We have spent countless hours in that little storefront and while making desserts and sandwiches I have watched my children grow up here. We have made countless memories and smiles here and we have served our community the best way that we could! We are now entering a new season of life! Our kids are getting older and involved in many activities and we are going on that adventure with them, loving every minute. The time at the shop, while a blessing, has already taken years off of my life. We have shed blood, sweat, and tears there.. and shed tears over bleeding money. Being a business owner has taken a toll on my mental health, my marriage, and my ability to be the best mother I am capable of. In the 2 short months since closing and making this decision, I have already felt a weight lifted from shoulders. My children have noticed the stress decrease and the time at home increase. Owning a small business is the American dream.. I experienced the dream and now it is time to move onto the next chapter.
That little 100 year old shop has seen much in 5+ years! Matt & his dad Bill completely rebuilt that shop and maintained her. We had Hudsons very first birthday party there. Watching my son grow up from being a baby, even taking his very first steps there. Hudson becoming best friends with the local police officer. Watching my daughter and her friends turn into teenagers and even having their first work experience. Hosting many post sports bubble tea parties and late night bubble tea outings during sleepovers. My daughter grew into a wonderful young woman capable of speaking to the public and providing service to others. I lost 2 of the most important people in my life, my poppy and my uncle Keith. Towards the end, my mom came and helped me work daily enabling me to have quality time with her. We have celebrated holidays thereā¦ opening Christmas presents, easter baskets, serving Thanksgiving, participating in Halloween. We survived Covid and tried to help many local small businesses. I was able to serve as a city commissioner. We hosted fundraisers, give back days, and auctions. Peach Festivals and other events. Hosted many showers, birthday parties, and childrens events. We have had many amazing workers that we have watched grow and flourish. Countless wonderful customers that became friends. We have met people and had opportunities that we wouldnāt have if not for the shop. For all of this, we are grateful.
We would like to thank everyone who has ever opened Soulardās door these past 5 years and for supporting us in any way that you could! It did not go unnoticed.
I want to thank my children for being amazing little humans this past 5 years and always encouraging me, being proud of their mama. Thank you to our parents- Kelli, Greg, Bill, and Della for everything you have done over the years. Our sister Jen for helping with the kids. The friends who have supported and understood our complicated lives and lack of available time. My best friend Liv for being there for me 10+ years and helping me with many things at the shop, running our books, and just being there for me and the kids. To Marsha & Sharon, thank you for providing the space and opening it up to us- allowing us to build it however we thought. And for being great, compassionate landlords the entire time. To Poppy, we miss you more than humanly possible and I hope you are looking down at me with pride still. I love you so much. Anyone that has shown us kindness- THANK YOU. We also want to thank everyone for reaching out and checking in on us and anticipating a re-open date. Like any business, we werenāt always shown kindness & support but we are so grateful for the support and love that we were shown.
My roots in Southwest Michigan run deep, and Iām honored to have been able to own a small business in the town I call home. So, I would like to personally thank you for being a part of Soulardās.
And with thatā¦. We say see you later š¤
Taylor (& Matt, Rae, Hudson)
**Please note we will no longer be taking any custom orders. If you have already paid a retainer for a wedding or in full for a custom order we will be completing your order.
